Six Months Later…

One of the greatest joys of missionary life is getting mail. In my mission, all mail was sent to the mission office, and then given to the zone leaders, who passed it out in exchange for a completed car report after District Meeting every Friday. Needless to say, we all looked forward to District Meeting for that single reason.

I want to pause right here for a second, and give a big shout out and thank you to those who sent me mail on my mission. My mom definitely wins for most letters and packages. GRACIAS.

I had a throwback Friday moment yesterday, when I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL, addressed in my own handwriting, with a return address from the California Los Angeles Mission. #bestdadysofar #literaldejavu

It was the post-mission plan I created in the last week of my full-time service, outlining what I wanted to be able to say I’d done as a returned missionary, what I wanted to have become, and what differences I wanted others to notice in me six months after returning home.

I’m not writing this to brag, but I just wanted to say that I’m really happy to announce that I met my goals! I continued to have really good scripture study every day, I went to the temple every week, I did well in all my classes, and I strengthened my ward. And yesterday, I WENT OUT WITH THE MISSIONARIES!!!!!! #MemberPresent I hope I’ve become more loving, thoughtful, and aware of others, more sensitive to the Spirit, healthier, and more clam/ relaxed. And I hope others notice that I’m better at accepting other ideas and opinions.

In summary, coming home from the mission is really hard. The mission is the Garden of Eden, and going back to the lone and dreary world is rough. But by continuing to set goals and make plans that bring us closer to the Savior, we can still be in His presence. I know that to be true, because I’ve seen it over these last six months. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about my amazing time in LA or the incredible people I met, but I know the Lord needs me where I am now. He loves all of us beyond belief, and only desires our happiness. I know that.